Health News For South West
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Oxford County
Healthy fuel now offered to arenas in Blandford-Blenheim and Zorra Townships
Nutritious food and beverage choices are now on the menu at three local community centres
Fresh smoothies, granola bars, hummus with pretzels and yogurt are some of the new healthy options now being served at community centres in Plattsville, Thamesford and Embro.
In partnership with Oxford County Public Health, recreation facilities in Blandford-Blenheim and Zorra Townships are now offering healthy options at their concession stands alongside traditional arena fare.
Blandford-Blenheim was the first township to offer healthy alternatives in late 2015 in their newly revamped "Goal Mouth Café" at the Plattsville arena. Public Health and recreation facility staff hosted a launch with free smoothie samples to those attending hockey tournaments. It was an opportunity to promote the benefits of healthy fuel before and after physical activity along with the new healthy menu options.
Zorra Township has also recently started to offer fresh smoothies and healthy snacks at concession stands in Thamesford and Embro Community Centres.
The shift towards healthy options stems from the “Healthy Communities” conversation that was held in 2014 where Public Health met with parents, youth and recreation facility operators in the County about the value of offering healthy food and beverages in public recreation spaces.
Public Health will be evaluating the public’s response to the menu changes and will share the results later in 2016. Municipal operators, facility managers or recreation associations interested in bringing healthy options to their concessions, can contact Oxford County Public Health for more information.
“It’s very exciting to have Blandford-Blenheim and Zorra Township recreation facilities offering some nutritious choices. Arenas have always been viewed as entertainment venues with mostly fried and sugary food and drinks sold at the concession stand. But the reality is kids, adults and families are at the rink for physical activity and it is vitally important to fuel with something nutritious to help the body perform and recover, along with a host of other benefits.”
— Mike Gorgey, Supervisor of Health Promotion, Oxford County Public Health & Emergency Services
Media Contact:
Adam Nyp
Strategic Communication and Engagement
519-539-9800 ext 3529
anyp@oxfordcounty.ca
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